[ 274] | 44 
great imprudence ; and ucreioe. though reluctantly, [ determined to leave 
them: Randolph had been the life of the camp, and the “petit gargon” 
was much regretted by the men, to whom his buoyant spirits had afforded 
gréat aniusement. They all, however, agreed in the propriety of leaving 
him at the fort; because, as they said, he mye he ciieie lives-of some of the 
men ina fight’ with the Indians. 
July 21.—A portion of our baggage, with. our field:-notes and observa- 
tions, and several iustrunifats, were left at the fort. One of = re 
Mr. ‘Galpin; took charge’of a barometer, which he en: 2) 
during my absence; and T intrusted to Randolph, by way of oseipation, 
the regular winding up of two o of my chronometers, which were among th 
instrements left. Our observations showed that the chronometer which r 
retained ‘for the continuation of our voyage had preserved its rate in a most 
=: ‘ctory manner, Asdeduced from it, the longitude of Fort Laramie is 
‘Of’ 21", and from ‘lunar distance 7h. Ol! 29"; giving for the adopted 
emetic 104° 47' 43". Comparing the parreacaee observations made 
sure ourstay here, with those of Dr. G. Engelman at St. Louis, we find _ 
for rthe elevation of the fort above’ the Gul f of Mexico 4,470 feet. The 
wifiter climate here is remarkably mild for the latitude; but rainy weather 
is frequent, and the place is celebrated for winds, of which the prevailing 
oné is west. An easi wind in summer, and a south wind in winter, are 
said to be always accompanied with rain 
We were ready to separ Se tents. were struck, the mules ea 
a Hore saddled, and we walked up to the fort to take the sf 
our s in an esielione home-brewed preparation. 
leasantly engaged, seated in one of the little cool chambers at the 
« Forr “Fp Juillet 1, 1842. 
& Mie Bak own: Les ches. s’étant assemblés présentement me disent 
de vous. avertir de ne point vous mettre en route, avant. que le parti de 
peg gens, qui est en dehors, soient de retour. De plus, ils me disent 
sont tré certains qu’ils feront feu a la premiére rencontre. Ils 
~Serrpuremee 2 ae jours. Excusez si je vous fais cos. 
il me mon devoir de ettir da 
ae ; 
= caine: les es ‘sont les : | 
de. partir-avant le retour des:guerriers, ©" ~*~ = * Set aes 
suis votre obeissant ‘Serviteur, # eee 
: “JOS GSEPH BISSONETTE, fit 
| ec re he B. CHART. A 
